The Jigawa State Government has announced a reduction in official working hours for civil servants throughout the ongoing 2026 Ramadan fast.
The directive, approved by Governor Umar Namadi, was contained in a statement signed by the State Head of Civil Service, Muhammad Dagaceri, and released to journalists in Dutse on Wednesday by the Public Relations Officer, Office of the Head of Civil Service, Ismaila Dutse.
According to the statement, civil servants will now work from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm from Monday to Thursday, instead of the usual 5:00 pm closing time. On Fridays, working hours will be from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, following existing practice.
Dagaceri said the adjustment is intended to ease the burden on civil servants, allowing them more time to observe Ramadan, prepare for iftar, and engage in spiritual activities.
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“The adjustment in working hours is expected to boost productivity and morale among civil servants during the holy month,” he added.
He encouraged workers to use the period to pray for peace, stability, and economic prosperity in Jigawa State and across Nigeria, while enhancing their spiritual growth and contributing to the state’s development.
The announcement was met with approval from civil servants in Dutse. Ahmed Danladi of the Ministry of Education described it as a “welcome development” that would allow employees to observe Ramadan while performing their duties effectively.
Similarly, Rafi’u Abdullahi of the Jigawa State Water Board said the move would help workers manage their time better and focus on spiritual growth.
Ramadan, a holy month devoted to fasting from dawn to dusk, increased prayers, charity, and spiritual reflection, is one of the five pillars of Islam, symbolising obedience, self-discipline, and total submission to God.